Volunteer at McLaren Oakland

Volunteers enhance our daily lives and the lives of our patients. They are vital and valued at McLaren Oakland.

Today's volunteer has changed. Individuals from all walks of life - high school and college students, retirees, seniors as well as former and current career-oriented people are donating their time and energy to experiencing the rewards of volunteering. Volunteer candidates must be at least 18 years old to apply.

What's on this page

Benefits of Volunteering

  • Making a difference in someone's stay
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Variety of assignments
  • Helping people
  • Camaraderie
  • Develop / enhance new skills
  • Free parking
  • Free meals during a 4-hour duty

McLaren Oakland operates during traditional business hours and beyond. Our volunteer services program provides volunteers with the opportunity to give meaningful service, to experience skill development, career exploration and personal growth. We will work with your schedule to find a project that is rewarding for you.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer opportunities at McLaren Oakland:
  • Step Down/ICU (9th floor)
  • Inpatient Rehab (7th floor)
  • Karmanos Oncology Unit (6th floor)
  • Surgical Services Department (3rd floor)
  • McLaren Oakland Emergency Department
  • McLaren Clarkston Emergency Department
  • Lake Orion Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
  • Radiology (Ortho Clinic)- Friday (8:00a-12:00p only)

Spiritual Care Services Volunteer Opportunities

At McLaren Oakland we believe that to treat the "whole person" we must attend to the physical, emotional and spiritual care needs of the patient.

Chapel

The hospital chapel is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The chapel is located on the 2nd floor, left of the elevators. The chapel offers a place for all in need of a place for quiet reflection. Bibles and other spiritual material are available.
A prayer book is located at the front of the chapel for visitors to ask for prayers for specific individuals and needs. Many chapel visitors and volunteers go through prayer requests on a regular basis and pray for each individual and need.

Clergy Visits

A patient’s minister is encouraged to visit with the patient. Let your faith leader know that you are in the hospital and would welcome a visit. Clergy are permitted to visit patients at any time.

Chaplain Services

A Staff Chaplain and Spiritual Care Volunteers available to visit with you and provide a variety of spiritual care resources. They will honor patient requests of spiritual care through prayer, scripture reading and conversation.
To request a visit, please ask your nurse to contact the Spiritual Care Department at 248-338-5350 or call extension 5350.

Spiritual Care Volunteers Needed

We are always looking for volunteers to provide spiritual care support to patient and their families. There are four positions available for Spiritual Care Volunteers. They include:

  • Ministers of Care Volunteers – Ministers of Care are volunteers that visit with patients to provide spiritual support, prayer, scripture reading and conversation. A hospital program orientation is provide; however, it is preferred that volunteers have received some training from their denominations, such as being an ordained minister or completion of Stephen’s Ministry training.
  • Eucharistic Minister Volunteers – Eucharistic ministers are volunteers that provide communion wafers and a blessing to patients. Sensitivity to all religion denominations is acknowledged. We strive to be able to provide communion to patients on a daily basis.
  • "No One Dies Alone" Volunteers – "No One Dies Alone" Comfort Companions are volunteers that sit with patients while they are actively in the dying process. Their role is to ensure that no one is alone at death and that they would die with dignity and in comfort. Specialized training is available for interested volunteers.
  • Clerical Volunteers – Clerical Assistant Volunteers provide a variety of assistance within the Spiritual Care office. Telephone and computer skills are preferred. Activities include:
    • Call patients to confirm religious preferences.
    • Maintain Sacrament of the Sick database.
    • Restock religious materials in the chapel and on the patient floors.
    • Maintain volunteer logs and patient visit data. 

Responsibilities

  • The Comfort Care Assistant will provide the following support:
  • Round/Meet/Greet
  • Answer call lights (once answered, all clinical requests would be forwarded). Make sure room is tide and tray table is clear of debris Make sure items are within reach (urinal, commode, call light, phone, water, etc.). Provide blankets and pillows upon request. Distribute water (prior approval required, see Unit Clerk, PCA, or RN). Read to patients if requested. Provide documentation of all requests on Comfort Request log (tracking). Distribute reading material (employee donated). Provide assistance to the families while in the patient’s room.

How To Apply

The goal at McLaren Oakland is to recruit and retain volunteers who are dedicated, motivated and conscientious volunteers who will commit themselves to our values and mission. The following is the process that each interested candidate should follow:

  • Interested candidates must complete an application, authorize a background check and provide references. (Spiritual Care volunteers must also provide a letter of recommendation from their minister.)
  • Your application is processed once the application and references are received. If it is determined that we are able to match your interests, skills and availability with our volunteer needs, you will be contacted to schedule a placement interview.
  • During the interview, the Volunteer Coordinator will discuss your motivation for volunteering, past volunteer and work experience and your areas of interests. Possible volunteer placements will be discussed.
  • Volunteer applications to fill out and mail in are available in the Human Resources Department, information desk in the main lobby or by clicking here for a volunteer application. Individuals interested in Spiritual Care Volunteer Opportunities, should click here for a Spiritual Care Volunteer application.
  • Completed applications may be returned in person to the human resources department or the information desk in the main lobby, or sent via mail to: McLaren Oakland, 50 N. Perry, Pontiac, MI 48342.

Volunteer Application